Franklin R. West

February 9, 2014

He was born Jan. 6, 1925, in Napoli, N.Y., the son of the late Charles and Addie West.

Mr. West was a decorated World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant. He received the American Campaign Metal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign metal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct metal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Commendation, Purple Heart with Bronze oak leaf cluster, U.S. Army World War II Bronze star and World War II Victory metal. He also fought at the Battle of the Bulge.

In 1949, he married Joyce Nobles, who predeceased him in 1982. Several years later, he married the former Marcia (Westlake) Evans, who survives.

Mr. West was employed as a die maker at Signore's in Ellicottville for more than 25 years. He was a member of the Little Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, American Disabled Veterans the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star. Mr. West was also an avid cat lover.

Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons: Ronald (Svetlana) West of Hampton, Va., Randall (Diane) West of Cattaraugus, N.Y., and Charles (Cynthia) West of South Dayton, N.Y.; three stepsons: Robert Evans of Williamsburg, Va., William Evans of Boyds, Md., and Russell Evans of Little Valley, N.Y.; two step-daughters: Sandra (Tom) Young of Mechanicsville, Va., and Jennie (Ric) Overstreet of James Store, Va.; six grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers: Roger and Marvin West; and a sister, Marjorie Hawkins.